Google Unveils Largest AI Initiative In MENA, Offering Skills Training, Funding, Product Access

Tech giant Google reported robust third-quarter results, but worries persist about whether it is losing ground in the AI race — AFP

Google announced on Thursday its largest AI project in the region, the AI Opportunity Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa. This initiative aims to provide important AI skills, research funding, and access to useful AI products.

Google.org, the company's philanthropic arm, plans to donate $15 million between this year and the end of 2027. This funding will go to organizations across the region to ensure that everyone can benefit from the opportunities created by AI.

Research highlights an increasing need to improve AI and digital skills, enabling more people to compete in an AI-driven economy and job market. According to the Economist Impact, AI could add an estimated $320 billion to the MENA region's economic growth by 2030.

At the Google AI Connect Event, Ruth Porat, the President and Chief Investment Officer for Alphabet and Google, stated that Google has been investing in the Middle East and North Africa for a long time. These investments have helped people and organizations gain the connectivity, innovation, and skills needed to succeed in the global digital economy.

"AI is estimated to contribute $320 billion in economic growth for the Middle East by 2030, and Google is working to ensure that people and communities throughout the region have the skills needed to capture the upside of this emerging technology," Porat said, according to WAM.

"With today's announcement, we are expanding the Maharat min Google program to offer a new AI curriculum in Arabic. Our local nonprofit and university partners will help bring this program to people and communities throughout the region, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that AI can deliver," she added.

Research by Public First found that Google's products, such as Search, Play, YouTube, Cloud, and advertising tools, generated $12.8 billion in economic activity in the UAE and Saudi Arabia last year. These products are expected to contribute $14.2 billion in 2024.

The AI Connect event took place at the Etihad Museum, featuring notable attendees such as Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, along with hundreds of government officials, business leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs.